What does being brave really mean? I was recently reading a book that referenced the bravery of the character in the way she overcame adversity, how she didn't let others dim her sparkle, how she moved beyond feeling that she needed to be perfect and invincible. And it got me to thinking......how do you strengthen those skills? It's much like the question - how do you teach students about resiliency and grit? Reshma Saujani in the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Girls Who Co

Ready for another great week? Years ago, I had a long talk with a great male mentor. We were talking about the dreaded work...intimidation. His comment to me was something like, "You need to be able to stand up for what you believe and for doing the good job others know you will do. Sometimes that work may get you into a little hot water, because you are strong and competent. Don't ever shirk who you are because you are afraid it will make others uncomfortable." He was right.

Inspiring a new generation isn't easy work. But their energy and excitement for having an impact is something that shouldn't be ruled out. As I've watched life through the eyes of my own daughters, now approaching their teen years, they have great convictions for caring for the Earth, recycling, and justice. Here's a great video that can be used with students and the adults who work with them. Age isn't a huge consideration. Anyone CAN change the world! #literacy #leadership

Close reading is a strategy where readings are repeated and discussions are focused on the text in order to increase text comprehension. And when referencing John Hattie's Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement, you'll find that "repeated reading" has a significant positive effect on reading comprehension and fluency. These skills are naturally developed in the 2nd - 3rd grade range, but students with learning challenges and disabiliti